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Certified Addiction Counselor Course Information

Thank you for your interest in becoming a certified addiction counselor. You have made a decision to pursue one of the highest designations you can receive in the addictions field. With this designation, your prospects of finding the right job in the addictions field will increase dramatically. with the training you receive at the Academy for Addiction Professionals you’ll be well on your way to receiving a designation that will open up new doors in your career. Below, you’ll find more information on the requirements to take the CAC course. If you’re looking for another course, you may also click one of the links below to see information on that particular course:

CAP: Certified Addiction Professional
CAS: Certified Addiction Specialist
CBHT: Certified Behavioral Health Technician
Continuing Education in Addiction

Financing is available – please click here for more information or contact us directly at 877.821.0001

Certified Addiction Counselor Standards

Category: Requirement:
Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate/Vocational Degree, or higher
Work Experience:
High School Diploma / GED:
6,000 hours of direct experience in addictions fieldAssociates/Vocational Degree or Higher:
4,000 hours of direct experience in addictions field
Supervision:
High School Diploma / GED:
300 hours of direct supervision. A minimum of 16 hours must be documented in each of the professional practice dimensions.

Associates/Vocational Degree or Higher:
150 hours of direct supervision. A minimum of 8 hours must be documented in each of the professional practice dimensions.
Training: 250 hours of training. At least 130 hours must be allocated, as specified, among each of the professional practice dimensions:

• Clinical Evaluation – 25 hours
• Treatment Planning – 15 hours
• Referral – 5 hours
• Service Coordination – 5 hours
• Counseling – 30 hours
• Client, Family, and Community Education –
10 hours
• Documentation – 10 hours
• Professional and Ethical Responsibilities –
30 hours

At least 114 hours must be allocated, as specified, in the following transdisciplinary foundations:

• Understanding Addiction/Treatment Knowledge-57 hours
• Application to Practice/Professional Readiness-57 hours

At least 6 hours must be allocated in the following topic areas:

• HIV/AIDS – 4 hours
• Domestic Violence – 2 hours
Recommendations: 3 professional letters of recommendation for certification.
Code of Ethics: Applicants must attest that they are bound by and will follow the FCB Code of Ethics in their professional practice.
Written Test: Must earn a passing score on the Florida Specific Exam**If reciprocity is desired, must earn passing score on the International
Exam**
To see the exam requirements, click the following link: addiction exam.
Renewal: 20 CEUs each year